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Committee has key role advising U.S. government on international development
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — RTI International, a nonprofit research institute and leading international development organization, is honored that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has appointed Paul Weisenfeld, executive vice president for international development, to serve as Chair of the Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid (ACVFA). Weisenfeld will support the Agency’s ambitious reform agenda and vision for inclusive and local development.
“I’m truly humbled to serve as the chair of this distinguished committee,” said Weisenfeld. “ACVFA has a vital role to play supporting USAID, the world’s preeminent development organization. I’m looking forward to working together as a committee to help USAID achieve its vision to promote democratic values, and advance a free, peaceful and prosperous world, while being a vital element of the US government’s response to the complex challenges that threaten the global community today.”
The external advisory committee was first established after World War II and has played an important role in shaping the United States’ approach to international development. The committee has evolved over many decades and was re-established in September of 2022 with new membership including internationally recognized leaders representing a broad range of sectors. Weisenfeld will now lead the committee as it responds to challenges ranging from the global food crisis and climate change to threats to democracy, including corruption and stagnant economic growth.
Weisenfeld leads RTI’s international development group, which is dedicated to improving the human condition through multi-sectoral, inclusive solutions that lead to sustainable economic growth, climate resilience, improved food security, quality education and healthcare, environmental protection, and greater prosperity. Before joining RTI, he served as a foreign service officer for USAID, achieving the highest rank of career minister in the Senior Foreign Service and led high-profile initiatives across various international development sectors.
Weisenfeld joined USAID Administrator Samantha Power on Wednesday for ACVFA’s spring public meeting which highlighted ACVFA’s working groups and their efforts to engage with and support USAID.
Read USAID’s full announcement
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